Category Archives: Marvelous

It’s Marvelous Monday and I’m trying to refrain from crawling back into bed to doze off and make up for the hour we lost. Oh well, I’ll take this day light savings thing because more daylight is a plus.

Marvelous is a day spent with a shining group of gals nestled away in the stunning Blue Ridge mountains at a family-run vineyard.

On Saturday afternoon, we spent the day at Veritas Vineyard & Winery. The name is derived from the Roman historian Pliny The Elder’s observation, “In vino veritas,” meaning, “in wine there is truth,” and that truth comes from the grapes grown at Veritas.

The vineyard is carefully tucked away in the idyllic mountains of Charlottesville where a long road weaves through the fields of grapes, ending at a large and inviting tasting room filled with a musty, sweet and complex cork-scented aroma.

Upon arrival, the tasting room staff greeted us as we took in the elegant chandeliers, glossy wooden tables, tall stunning red ceilings, long velvet curtains, ample cushy seating, and the stone fireplace.

We ordered a few bottles of wine to share, selecting the “White Star,” a blend of Viognier, Traminette, Chardonnay, and Petite Manseng, with layers of peach, apricot, mango, pineapple, tangerine and coconut. It’s described as a complex but palate friendly style of wine, recommend in its youth to truly reap the tropical flavors and satisfy the taste buds.

The spirits and tannins were surely flowing.

Craving something to accompany the fruity wine in our bellies, we decided to order a tasty cheese plate. The plate came with 3 gourmet cheeses, homemade apple chutney and a warm baguette.

After noshing, we felt it only right to make our way to the cozy wooden deck to take in the luscious views, especially after weeks of chilly temps. The deliciously warm sun was the icing to our already decorated cake.

Marvelous is in the eye of the beholder. When the weekend comes to an end and the reality of the week sets in, it’s sometimes dreadful. Without the week though, the weekend wouldn’t be so enjoyable. It’s the mediocre times that make us appreciate the best parts of life. Welcome to Marvelous Monday.

The fried isowipes clams were crisped to perfection, lightly golden and explosively buttery served with a lightly curried madras aioli with a taste of the clean Massachusetts sea shore.

The blue mussels were perfectly steeped in a spicy array of seasonings with smoked greens, chilies and squash.

I ordered boulibase for my main entre, which was off the menu and had head-on prawn, sea scallops, mussels, oysters, and fingerling potatoes in a Mediterranean broth with a toasted baguette and a classically diverse rouie with an accent of chili powder.

While the meal left me completely satiated, I still manage a little huge pocket for sweets. Susan Wallace, the pastry chef outdid herself with a special selection of samplings of the most delicious combinations of pies, cakes and mousses that were undeniable.

I loved the edible architecture of each dessert. The butterscotch Pot de Creme was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

After the meal, we got the complete tour de BlackSalt Kitchen, which had a window for guests to observe.

Susan even gifted us with a goody bag of treats to take home for later, full of raspberry bars and chocolate peanut brittle that was Susan’s very own family recipe. I met two of the cooks, Taylor and Armando who helped me snap a shot of the goodies.

What a treat! The seafood was pristinely fresh, the desserts were artistically mouth watering and the service was impeccable. Thanks Susan and the BlackSalt team!

Marvelous is mastering new tricks in aerial yoga class. Hanging in a hammock is surprisingly great for digestion. Who knew?

Marvelous isSweet Greens after a hard workout. I ordered the February salad of warm grains, arugula + shredded kale with portobello mushrooms, basil, beets, and parmesan topped with a pesto vinaigrette accompanied with a warm lentil soup.

Marvelous is an 80s dance party on Saturday night. What a feeling….

Marvelous issushi & sashimi Sunday. That should be a thing if it isn’t already.